Robert DeHaven scored his first victory on July 14, 1943 and by December 10th of that year had attained an Ace status. DeHaven was like most pilots in that he too had art work applied on the aircraft. On the lower left cowling there was a white and purple orchid while the name Rita was applied in white script on the lower right cowling. DeHaven flew 3 P-40Ns and would end the war in the Pacific with 10 P-40 victories and 4 P-38 victories that re-equipped the squadron between July and September 1944.

Designed to meet a USAAC requirement for a pursuit aircraft, the P-40 Warhawk was first flown on October 14th, 1938. This aircraft was tough, virtually trouble-free and saw continual improvements to arms, armor and engines. The P-40 served in numerous combat areas; often outclassed by its adversaries in speed, maneuverability and rate of climb, it earned a reputation for extreme ruggedness. Its strong construction, heavy firepower, and ability to dive enabled it to compete with enemy fighters, and it was a formidable ground-attack aircraft. P-40s were also flown by the famed Flying Tigers against the Japanese in China.